Go with the Flow: Kayaking the Upper Guadalupe and Medina Rivers

There’s something magical about drifting down a river in the Texas Hill Country. Maybe it’s the way the sunlight filters through the cypress trees, or the slow rhythm of the current guiding your kayak around a bend. If you're looking for a way to truly unplug and soak in the beauty of this part of Texas during your getaway with us at Hotel Giles, grabbing a paddle and hitting the water on the Upper Guadalupe or Medina River should be high on your list.

Let’s start with the Guadalupe River, which spans roughly 250 miles from its headwaters near Hunt, Texas, until it empties into the Gulf of Mexico at the San Antonio Bay. The Upper Guadalupe, an 87-mile stretch through the Texas Hill Country that ends at Canyon Lake, is a hidden gem—serenely beautiful, winding through limestone valleys and thick groves of towering bald cypress trees. It’s rarely crowded, which makes it feel like your own private slice of nature. The river is fed by springs and rainfall, so its flow can vary depending on the season. Early spring through June is ideal, with another sweet spot in the fall when the leaves start turning and the air cools down just enough to make it perfect for a paddle.

If you’ve brought your own kayak, James Kiehl River Bend Park in Comfort is a great place to launch. It’s a short carry down a gravel path, and once you’re in, you’re surrounded by an impressive corridor of cypress trees. You can take a peaceful four-mile float down to the bridge at Waring, with plenty of chances to spot deer, kingfishers, herons, and maybe even some of those famously shy river turtles.

Want to rent instead? Kerrville Kayak and Canoe makes it easy. They’ve got kayaks ready to go right on the river at Kerrville-Schreiner Park and Louise Hays Park. You can paddle upstream and back without needing a shuttle, and the whole thing is super casual—no reservations, just show up and paddle away.

For a longer adventure, Bergheim Campground in nearby Boerne is another great outfitter. They’ll rent you a kayak or canoe and even shuttle you to different parts of the river. Paddle from there to Edge Falls Road or go a little farther to Guadalupe River State Park. This section is postcard-pretty, with dramatic limestone cliffs, clear water, and ancient trees with roots twisting into the riverbanks like natural sculptures.

Speaking of Guadalupe River State Park—it’s a fantastic place to kayak, with four miles of river frontage and plenty of shady spots to rest or take in the views. The Guadalupe Canoe Livery can outfit you on site. Once you’re settled into your kayak, venture off on the park’s 5-mile paddling trail that takes you from the park to Nichol’s Landing. Expect towering cliffs, quiet pools, and the kind of scenery that makes you slow your paddle just to take it all in.

Now, if a more laid-back float is what you’re after, the Medina River might be your match. It’s spring-fed, narrow, and incredibly peaceful. Tucked into the western edge of the Hill Country, the Medina River stretches 116 miles from northwest Bandera County until it eventually merges with the San Antonio River. This river is clear as glass, with water that sparkles as it flows over limestone shelves and under cathedral-like canopies of cypress and maple. It’s the kind of place where you’ll feel like time slows down. You might stumble upon a hidden swimming hole, or drift quietly under trees draped in Spanish moss.

In Bandera, the Medina River Company offers rentals, shuttles, and even a BBQ truck for that post-paddle reward. Peaceful Valley Kayak is another great option—they’ll get you on the river with everything you need for a tranquil few hours of paddling and exploring. For those who want a bit more structure, Go Outside Expedition Co. can plan a half- or full-day trip for you on either river.

So if you’re craving some fresh air, beautiful scenery, and the kind of adventure that doesn’t require a screen or a schedule, kayaking the Upper Guadalupe or Medina River is just the thing. This is Texas Hill Country at its most peaceful—and most beautiful. And after a day of paddling, there's no better place to rest and recharge than Hotel Giles, our historic bed-and-breakfast tucked right in the heart of Comfort.